In the heart of Indonesia, a country bathed in abundant sunlight, a pioneering study is set to revolutionize the way we think about electric vehicle (EV) charging. Handoko Rusiana Iskandar, a researcher from Universitas Jenderal Achmad Yani, has developed a novel charging station for two-wheeled electric vehicles (EVs) powered entirely by photovoltaic (PV) systems. This innovation could significantly impact the energy sector, particularly in regions with high solar potential.
Iskandar’s research, published in the journal Protek: Jurnal Ilmiah Teknik Elektro (translated to “Protek: Scientific Journal of Electrical Engineering”), focuses on harnessing Indonesia’s solar energy potential, which ranges from 4.88 to 5.78 kWh/m2 per day. By 2022, the country had already produced 444 GWh of solar energy, a figure supported by various government initiatives and research projects. The increasing adoption of electric two-wheelers in Indonesia necessitates a sustainable and efficient charging infrastructure, and Iskandar’s work addresses this need head-on.
The study proposes a PV-based charging system that caters to various battery technologies and capacities. “The key is to match the battery requirements of electric two-wheelers with the capacity of PV panels,” Iskandar explains. The research evaluates different PV panel capacities—200 Wp, 400 Wp, and 500 Wp—and their charging durations for batteries of varying capacities.
The findings are promising. The 500 Wp PV panel, for instance, offers the fastest charging duration, ranging from 1 to 3.7 hours, depending on the battery load. This efficiency is crucial for commercial applications, where quick turnaround times can significantly enhance user experience and operational efficiency. “The proposed system provides various battery capacity options, considering autonomous time of 1-4 days,” Iskandar adds, highlighting the system’s flexibility and practicality.
The commercial implications of this research are vast. As the demand for electric two-wheelers continues to grow, so does the need for sustainable and efficient charging solutions. PV-based charging stations could reduce the reliance on grid electricity, lower operational costs, and contribute to a greener environment. Moreover, this technology could be particularly beneficial in remote or rural areas where grid access is limited.
Iskandar’s work also opens up new avenues for innovation in the energy sector. The integration of PV systems with EV charging infrastructure could pave the way for similar advancements in other areas, such as solar-powered public transportation or residential charging solutions. The potential for scalability and adaptation is immense, making this research a significant step forward in the quest for sustainable energy solutions.
As the world transitions towards a more sustainable future, innovations like Iskandar’s PV-based charging system will play a pivotal role. By leveraging Indonesia’s solar potential, this research not only addresses a local need but also sets a global precedent. The energy sector is on the cusp of a solar-powered revolution, and Iskandar’s work is a beacon guiding the way.